Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, refers to babies born alive before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. According to the WHO, around 15 million babies are born preterm each year in 2020, which is about one in ten of all babies born worldwide. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under five globally. That’s a huge number of precious little ones! And it’s not just mothers who need to be concerned — the entire family is affected. It can also cause long-term challenges like blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, and developmental delays. Understanding the factors contributing to premature birth is crucial for prevention.
Even when you do everything right during pregnancy, you may deliver a baby before your due date. While the exact cause of preterm labor and premature birth is not known, many factors have been identified. Find out more about the risks of premature birth and how you can take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening.
Five useful tips to reduce the risk of premature (preterm) birth
There are some things you can do before and during pregnancy to avoid preterm labor and premature birth:
1. Have a preconception checkup
Schedule a preconception checkup with a doctor before pregnancy. See your healthcare provider even if you’re just thinking about having a baby. Talk about whether you’re ready for pregnancy and if you need to make any lifestyle changes beforehand. During a pre-pregnancy visit, your doctor might identify factors that could increase your risk of preterm birth or other issues, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
2. Keep a healthy lifestyle
Refrain from alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use, as these can cause birth defects. Keep a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. If you’re overweight, try to lose weight before you get pregnant. This can help improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
3. Pay attention to folic acid (vitamin B9) intake
This is necessary for the proper development of the baby’s nervous system and spine. Taking in the proper amount of folic acid also prevents birth defects, such as neural tube defects like spina bifida (when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly).
4. Avoid infections or exposures to chemicals or radiation
Protect yourself from the flu, colds, and sexually transmitted diseases. Get vaccinated, especially if you will be pregnant during flu season, and report any fever-causing illness to your doctor immediately. Get tested for STDs before pregnancy.
5. Have plenty of rest
Avoid strenuous physical activities, especially during the first few months when your body is adjusting to the changes of pregnancy. Doing heavy exercises can be harmful to both you and your baby.
+1 Get prenatal care
See a doctor for regular prenatal checkups during pregnancy, even if you’re feeling fine.
After giving birth, wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again. Let your body recover from labor and delivery before the next baby arrives—and even though it might feel like forever right now, waiting will mean less stress for everyone down the line!
Prematurity can be prevented
There are many things you can do to increase your chances of delivering a full-term baby and giving life to a healthy baby. Nearly all women can have a healthy pregnancy if they seek routine prenatal care, eat right, and make time for regular exercise. We encourage you to work with your doctor throughout your pregnancy to lower your risk of preterm birth and help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Finally, if you notice even one sign or symptom of preterm labor—even if it’s just spotting—call a doctor right away!
At FirstMed, we’re always happy to provide mothers and their families with individualized prenatal care throughout the pregnancy.
